Molly Ayala
If you're travelling to New Zealand, it's important to know what electrical ports are used there to make sure you can use your devices. New Zealand uses the Type I plug and socket, which has three flat pins, two of which are angled to form an inverted V, and the other runs vertically underneath. The standard voltage is 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz, so you may need a voltage converter for some devices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plug Type | I |
| Voltage | 230/240 volts |
| Frequency | 50 Hz |
| Plug Shape | Two flat pins in a V-shape and a grounding pin |
| Plug Pin Count | 3 |
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What You'll Learn
Type I plugs and sockets
Type I plugs have two flat 1.6 mm thick blades, set at 30° to the vertical, forming an upside-down V. The centres of the blades are spaced 13.7 mm apart, and both prongs measure 17.3 mm in length and 6.3 mm in width. The flat earth blade measures 6.3 by 1.6 mm and is 20 mm long. The distance between the centre of the grounding pin and the middle of the plug is 10.3 mm. There is also an ungrounded version of this plug, with only two flat V-shaped prongs.
Type I sockets usually have a switch for extra safety. There are several AS/NZS plug variants, including 15 A, 20 A, 25 A and 32 A. A standard 10 amp plug will fit into a 15 amp outlet, but a 15 amp plug will only fit this special 15 amp socket.
If you are bringing appliances or chargers from countries where the voltage is lower, such as the USA, Canada or Japan, check that your appliance is clearly stated to be safe for use. A lower-amperage plug will always fit into a higher-amperage outlet but not vice versa. If you plug a lower-voltage appliance into New Zealand's highest-voltage supply, the item could be damaged. Most hotels and motels provide 110 volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) in bathrooms for electric razors only. For all other equipment, an adapter/converter is necessary unless the item has a multi-voltage option.
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Voltage converters
If you are travelling to New Zealand and plan to bring electrical appliances, you will need to consider purchasing a voltage converter. The standard voltage in New Zealand is 230V at a frequency of 50Hz, but some countries, such as the USA, Canada, and Japan, have lower standard voltages. Without a converter, your devices could be damaged.
It is important to note that some devices may never need a converter. If the label on your device states 'INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz', it can be used in every country in the world. This is common for devices with chargers, like tablets, laptops, cell phones, and electric toothbrushes.
If your converter cannot change the frequency, it is not advisable to use your devices. However, if you do so at your own risk, exercise special caution with motorized devices and those containing electronic chips, such as clocks, shavers, and medical devices.
In addition to voltage converters, some hotels and motels in New Zealand provide 110V AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) in bathrooms for electric razors only.
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Plug adapters
New Zealand uses Type I plugs, which have three flat pins. Two pins are angled to form an inverted 'V' at the top, and one pin runs straight down underneath. This is the same type of plug used in Australia and the Pacific Islands. The voltage in New Zealand is 230/240 volts (50Hz). If you are travelling to New Zealand from a country with a lower voltage, such as the US, Canada, or Japan, you will need to check that your appliances are compatible with New Zealand's voltage. You may need a voltage converter or transformer to avoid damaging your appliances.
Most hotels and motels in New Zealand provide 110-volt AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) in bathrooms for electric razors only. For all other equipment, you will need an adapter or converter unless your device has a multi-voltage option.
You can purchase plug adapters for New Zealand online or at electronics stores. It is recommended to buy a world travel adapter that fits multiple sockets if you travel frequently. Some popular options for plug adapters that are compatible with New Zealand include:
- VCT VP 103 Universal Plug Adapter: This adapter is lightweight and compact, making it convenient for travel. It has received positive reviews for its ease of use and small size. However, some customers have reported issues with the adapter's fit, finding it too loose.
- Universal plug adapters: These adapters are designed to work with various plug types, including those in New Zealand, Australia, China, and Argentina. They are affordable and can be purchased online or at electronics stores.
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Three flat pins
New Zealand uses Type I power plugs with 230/240V AC 50Hz. These plugs have three flat pins: two angled ones and one straight one. The pins are arranged in a V-shape, resembling a sad face. The third pin, which is sometimes absent, is an earthing pin, a safety measure.
If your appliances don't fit New Zealand's electrical outlets or require a different voltage or frequency, you will need a travel adapter and maybe a converter. Most voltage converters and transformers come supplied with plug adapters, so you may not need to buy a separate travel adapter. You can buy adapters at most large airports, in Auckland, Christchurch, and Queenstown Airports, or online at Amazon or eBay. It could be a smart idea to buy a universal adapter.
If your appliance doesn't clearly state that it can be used for up to 240V, you shouldn't use it in New Zealand electrical outlets. The higher voltage than required could damage your appliance. If your appliance states a single voltage number, such as 110V or 120V, you will need a travel adapter that is also a voltage converter. If your appliance has a combined low/high number, such as 120V/240V or 100V/240V, or a voltage of 200 or higher, you won't need a converter.
New Zealand's electricity supply runs at 230/240V, 50Hz. Therefore, it is not recommended to use a 60Hz appliance, even if the voltage of your appliance is compatible. Using the wrong frequency can cause appliances to stop functioning properly.
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Frequency differences
New Zealand's power plug is known as Plug Type I. The standard voltage in the country is 230 V at a frequency of 50 Hz. The frequency of the New Zealand power system is maintained within a narrow band around 50 Hz. Frequency keeping refers to the ancillary service used to maintain the frequency of the power system within the desired band.
Frequency keeping generation plants increase or decrease generation in response to short-term supply and demand imbalances to ensure that the frequency is kept at or near 50 Hz. Generators offer their willingness to supply frequency-keeping services to the wholesale market. These offers are then dispatched or cleared by the frequency-keeping selection tool before the energy and reserves dispatch is determined by SPD, the market-clearing engine.
All frequency-keeping offers and the offers actually dispatched to supply frequency-keeping services are available for download on a daily basis. The frequency of 50 Hz in New Zealand is different from that of countries like the USA, Canada, and Japan, which have a lower voltage. If you are bringing appliances or chargers from these countries, you will need to check that your appliance is safe to use at 240 V. If not, you will need a voltage converter/transformer.
Plugging a lower-voltage appliance into New Zealand's highest voltage supply could damage the item. Most hotels and motels provide 110 V AC sockets (rated at 20 watts) in bathrooms for electric razors only. For all other equipment, an adapter/converter is necessary unless the item has a multi-voltage option. If your converter cannot change the frequency, it is not advisable to use your devices. However, if you do so at your own risk, exercise special caution with motorised devices and those containing electronic chips, such as clocks, shavers, and medical devices.
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Frequently asked questions
New Zealand uses the Type I plug and socket standard. Type I plugs have three flat pins, two of which are angled to form an inverted V.
The voltage in New Zealand is 230/240 volts (50Hz).
Yes, you will need a power plug adapter for sockets Type I. You may also need a voltage converter for some devices.
Power adapters for New Zealand can be purchased online at Amazon or in electrical stores.
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